On which area does the medication act on buccal administration?

Appeared in: NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Explanation

Buccal administration involves placing medication in the mouth, specifically between the cheek and the gum.
The drug dissolves in this space and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the rich vascular network of the mucous membrane lining the cheek.
This method allows for rapid absorption and avoids the first-pass effect, where the drug is metabolized by the liver before reaching systemic circulation.

Option A: The dermis is a layer of skin. Medications are applied to the dermis via topical or transdermal routes, not the buccal route.
Option C: Muscles are the site for intramuscular (IM) injections, which is a parenteral route of administration.
Option D: This describes the sublingual route of administration, where medication is placed under the tongue to be absorbed by the blood vessels there. It is a common point of confusion with the buccal route.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Routes of Drug Administration: Buccal as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Patient education is a critical nursing responsibility for buccal administration. Nurses must instruct patients not to chew, swallow, or drink liquids while the medication dissolves to ensure proper absorption.
Nurses should teach patients to alternate cheeks with each subsequent dose. This simple practice helps to prevent irritation of the buccal mucosa.
What if? If a patient has xerostomia (dry mouth), the dissolution and absorption of a buccal medication will be significantly impaired. The nurse should report this to the healthcare provider, as an alternative route (e.g., parenteral) may be necessary.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question testing your knowledge of medication administration routes.
First, identify the key term in the question: 'buccal administration'.
Recall the definition of 'buccal', which pertains to the cheek area inside the mouth.
Understand that the lining of the mouth, including the cheek, is a mucous membrane.
Evaluate the given options. 'Dermis' relates to skin, 'Muscles' to injections, and 'Blood vessels under the tongue' to the sublingual route.
Select the option that correctly identifies the anatomical site for buccal administration.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QT7dGvo8sjdDv7HHoXHYt5

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 137-139

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 41-43

Practise the full NVS Staff Nurse - 2022

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.